3.

1 [71 marks]
1a. [2 marks]
There has been significant growth in the use of carbon nanotubes, CNT.
Explain these properties of carbon nanotubes.

Markscheme
Excellent strength: defect-free AND rigid/regular 2D/3D ✔
Excellent conductivity: delocalized electrons ✔

Accept “carbons/atoms are all covalently bonded to each other” for M1.
1b. [1 mark]
Alloying metals changes their properties. Suggest one property of magnesium that could be
improved by making a magnesium–CNT alloy.

Markscheme
Any of:
ductility ✔
strength/resistance to deformation ✔
malleability ✔
hardness ✔
resistance to corrosion/chemical resistance ✔
range of working temperatures ✔
density ✔

Do not accept “conductivity”.

1c. [2 marks]
Pure magnesium needed for making alloys can be obtained by electrolysis of molten
magnesium chloride.

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2020.

Write the half-equations for the reactions occurring in this electrolysis.

Markscheme
Anode: 2C l − →C l 2 ( g ) +2 e− ✔

Cathode: ¿ ✔
Accept C l − →C l 2 ( g ) +e ❑.

Award [1 max] for correct equations at incorrect electrodes.

1d. [3 marks]
Calculate the theoretical mass of magnesium obtained if a current of 3.00 A is used for 10.0
hours. Use charge ( Q )=c u r r e n t ( I ) × t im e ( t ) and section 2 of the data booklet

Markscheme
¿<Q=I ×t=3.00 × 10.0× 3600=¿> 108000C ✔
Q 108000 C
¿< = =¿>1.12<¿ mo l e − >¿  ✔
F 96500C mo l −1

1.12 mo l
¿< =0.560 m o l M g >¿
2
¿< m=0.560 mo l ×24.31 g mo l −1 =¿>13.6<¿ g>¿  ✔

Award [3] for correct final answer.

1e. [1 mark]
Suggest a gas which should be continuously passed over the molten magnesium in the
electrolytic cell.
Markscheme
argon/ A r/helium/H e ✔

Accept any identified noble/inert gas.

Accept name OR formula.
Do not accept “nitrogen/ N 2“.
1f. [1 mark]
Zeolites can be used as catalysts in the manufacture of CNT. Explain, with reference to their
structure, the high selectivity of zeolites.

Markscheme
pores/cavities/channels/holes/cage-like structures ✔
«only» reactants with appropriate/specific size/geometry/structure fit inside/go
through/are activated/can react ✔

Accept “molecules/ions” for “reactants” in M2.

1g. [1 mark]
Experiments have been done to explore the nematic liquid crystal behaviour of CNT. Justify
how CNT molecules could be classified as nematic.

Markscheme
rod-shaped molecules
OR
«randomly distributed but» generally align
OR
no positional order AND have «some» directional order/pattern ✔

Accept “linear” for “rod-shaped”.

2a. [2 marks]
Explain these properties of carbon nanotubes.

Markscheme
Excellent strength: defect-free AND rigid/regular 2D/3D ✔
Excellent conductivity: delocalized electrons ✔
Accept “carbons/atoms are all covalently bonded to each other” for M1.
2b. [2 marks]
CNT can act as Type 2 superconductors. Outline why Type 2 superconductors are generally
more useful than Type 1.
Markscheme
Any two of:
have higher critical temperatures/Tc «than Type 1»
OR
can act at higher temperatures ✔
have higher critical magnetic fields/Bc «than Type 1» ✔
less time needed to cool to operating temperature ✔
less energy required to cool down/maintain low temperature ✔
2c. [3 marks]
Explain the role of electrons in superconducting materials in terms of the Bardeen–
Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) theory.

Markscheme
Any three of:
passing electrons «slightly» deform lattice/displace positive ions/cations ✔
electrons couple/form Cooper pairs/condense with other electrons ✔
energy propagates along the lattice in wave-like manner/as phonons ✔
Cooper pair/electron condensate/pair of electrons moves through lattice freely
OR
phonons are «perfectly» elastic/cause no energy loss ✔
2d. [1 mark]
Alloying metals changes their properties. Suggest one property of magnesium that could be
improved by making a magnesium–CNT alloy.
Markscheme
Any of:
ductility ✔
strength/resistance to deformation ✔
malleability ✔
hardness ✔
resistance to corrosion/chemical resistance ✔
range of working temperatures ✔
density ✔
Do not accept “conductivity”.
2e. [3 marks]
Pure magnesium needed for making alloys can be obtained by electrolysis of molten
magnesium chloride.

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2020

Calculate the theoretical mass of magnesium obtained if a current of 3.00 A is used for 10.0
hours. Use charge :(Q) = current (I) × time (t)  and section 2 of the data booklet.
Markscheme
¿<Q=I ×t=3.00 × 10.0× 3600=¿> 108000C ✔
Q 108000 C
¿< = =¿>1.12<¿ mo l e − >¿  ✔
F 96500C mo l −1

1.12 mo l
¿< =0.560 m o l M g >¿
2
¿< m=0.560 mo l ×24.31 g mo l −1 =¿>13.6<¿ g>¿  ✔

Award [3] for correct final answer.

2f. [1 mark]
Suggest a gas which should be continuously passed over the molten magnesium in the
electrolytic cell.

Markscheme
argon/ A r/helium/H e ✔
Accept any identified noble/inert gas.
Accept name OR formula.
Do not accept “nitrogen/ N 2“.
2g. [2 marks]
Zeolites can be used as catalysts in the manufacture of CNT. Explain, with reference to their
structure, the high selectivity of zeolites.

Markscheme
pores/cavities/channels/holes/cage-like structures ✔
«only» reactants with appropriate/specific size/geometry/structure fit inside/go
through/are activated/can react ✔
Accept “molecules/ions” for “reactants” in M2.
2h. [1 mark]
Experiments have been done to explore the nematic liquid crystal behaviour of CNT. Justify
how CNT molecules could be classified as nematic.

Markscheme
rod-shaped molecules
OR
«randomly distributed but» generally align
OR
no positional order AND have «some» directional order/pattern ✔
Accept “linear” for “rod-shaped”.
3. [1 mark]
Which is an f-block element?
A. Sc

B. Sm
C. Sn

D. Sr

Markscheme
B
4. [1 mark]
Which describes an atom of bismuth, Bi (Z = 83)?

Markscheme
C
5. [1 mark]
Which of the following would have the same numerical value for all elements in the same
period?
A. Highest energy levels occupied
B. Energy sub-levels occupied
C. Orbitals occupied
D. Valence electrons

Markscheme
A
6. [1 mark]
Which describes an atom of bismuth, Bi (Z = 83)?
Markscheme
C
7. [1 mark]
How do the following properties change down Group 17 of the periodic table?

Markscheme
C
8a. [2 marks]
Physical properties of elements vary according to atomic number. Sections 6 to 9 of the
data booklet list some of these properties.
Deduce, giving a reason, the group of elements in the periodic table most likely to undergo
sublimation.

Markscheme
group 18/noble gases  [✔]
smallest difference between melting and boiling points
OR
weakest intermolecular forces «in that period»  [✔]
 
Note: Accept “group 17/halogens”.
8b. [1 mark]
Describe the density trend across periods 4 and 5 of the periodic table.
Markscheme
density increases «to a maximum in the transition elements» AND then decreases  [✔]
8c. [1 mark]
Suggest, with a reason, whether the lanthanoids or actinoids of the f-block would have the
higher density.

Markscheme
actinoids AND density increases down all groups «due to large increase in atomic mass for
small increase in atomic volume»
OR
actinoids AND «much» greater atomic mass with similar type of bonding
OR
actinoids AND density «of actinoids» atomic number 90 to 95 is greater than corresponding
lanthanoids  [✔]
 
 Note: Accept “actinoids AND on graph actinoids have «much» greater density than
lanthanoids”.
8d. [2 marks]
Compare the ease of oxidation of s-block and d-block metals to their melting points and
densities. Use section 25 of the data booklet.

Markscheme
Alternative 1:
«metals with» low densities oxidize easier  [✔]
«metals with» low melting points oxidize easier [✔]
Alternative 2:
in s-block «metals with» high densities oxidize easier
OR
in s-block «metals with» low melting points oxidize easier [✔]
in d-block «metals with» low densities oxidize easier
OR
in d-block «metals with» low melting points oxidize easier [✔]
 
Note:  Award [1 max] for “s-block metals more easily oxidized” OR “s-block metals have
lower melting points” OR “s-block metals have lower densities”.
Accept “have greater activity” for “oxidize easier”.
8e. [1 mark]
Sketch how the first ionization energies of elements vary with their atomic radius.
 

Markscheme

  [✔]
 
Note: Accept any negative sloping line.
Do not award mark if line touches either axis.
9a. [2 marks]
Physical properties of elements vary according to atomic number. Sections 6 to 9 of the
data
booklet list some of these properties.
Melting points and boiling points of elements 1 to 95

Deduce, giving a reason, the group of elements in the periodic table most likely to undergo
sublimation.

Markscheme
group 18/noble gases     [✔]
 
smallest difference between melting and boiling points
OR
weakest intermolecular forces «in that period»     [✔]
 
Note: Accept “group 17/halogens”.
9b. [1 mark]
Describe the density trend across periods 4 and 5 of the periodic table.

Markscheme
density increases «to a maximum in the transition elements» AND then decreases     [✔]
9c. [1 mark]
Suggest, with a reason, whether the lanthanoids or actinoids of the f-block would have the
higher density.

Markscheme
actinoids AND density increases down all groups «due to large increase in atomic mass for
small increase in atomic volume»
OR
actinoids AND «much» greater atomic mass with similar type of bonding
OR
actinoids AND density «of actinoids» atomic number 90 to 95 is greater than corresponding
lanthanoids    [✔]
 
Note: Accept “actinoids AND on graph actinoids have «much» greater density than
lanthanoids”.
9d. [2 marks]
Compare the ease of oxidation of s-block and d-block metals to their melting points and
densities. Use section 25 of the data booklet.

Markscheme
Alternative 1:
«metals with» low densities oxidize easier    [✔]
«metals with» low melting points oxidize easier     [✔]
Alternative 2:
in s-block «metals with» high densities oxidize easier
OR
in s-block «metals with» low melting points oxidize easier     [✔]
in d-block «metals with» low densities oxidize easier
OR
in d-block «metals with» low melting points oxidize easier     [✔]
 
Note: Award [1 max] for “s-block metals more easily oxidized” OR “s-block metals have lower
melting points” OR “s-block metals have lower densities”.
Accept “have greater activity” for “oxidize easier”.
9e. [1 mark]
Sketch how the first ionization energies of elements vary with their atomic radius.
Markscheme

    [✔]
 
Note: Accept any negative sloping line.
Do not award mark if line touches either axis.
10. [1 mark]
Which element is in the p-block?
A.     Pb
B.     Pm
C.     Pt
D.     Pu

Markscheme
A
11. [1 mark]
Which property increases down Group 1, the alkali metals?
A.     Atomic radius
B.     Electronegativity
C.     First ionization energy
D.     Melting point

Markscheme
A
12. [1 mark]
Which element is a lanthanide?
A.     Hf
B.     Tb
C.     U
D.     Y

Markscheme
B
13. [1 mark]
Which electron configuration is that of a transition metal atom in the ground state?
A. [Ne]3s23p64s1
B. [Ar]3d9
C. 1s22s22p63s23p64s23d104p2
D. [Ar]4s13d5

Markscheme
D
14a. [4 marks]
Acids can be described as strong or weak.
(i)     Outline the difference in dissociation between strong and weak acids of the same
concentration.
 
 
(ii)     Describe three tests that can be carried out in the laboratory, and the expected
results, to distinguish between 0.10 mol d m−3 HCl(aq) and 0.10 mol d m−3 C H 3 COOH ( aq).
Markscheme
(i)     weak acids dissociate only partially and strong acids (are assumed to) dissociate fully;
(ii)     measuring electrical conductivity and strong acids have greater electrical
conductivity/weak acids have lower electrical conductivity;
Do not accept conductivity for electrical conductivity.
Accept explanation in terms of lightbulb in circuit.
measure pH/use universal indicator and pH higher for weak acid/pH lower for strong acid;
conduct titration with a strong base and equivalence point higher for weak acid / buffer
region for weak acid;
adding a reactive metal/carbonate/hydrogen carbonate and stronger effervescence/faster
reaction with strong acids;
Accept converse argument.
Accept correct example.
adding a strong base and strong acid would increase more in temperature/weak acids
increase less in temperature;
Accept correct example.
Award [1 max] for three suitable tests without correct results.
Accept specific examples with given strong acid and weak acid.
Accept “addition of A g N O3 (a q) and white precipitate with HCl (aq)”.
Do not accept “smell”.
14b. [4 marks]
Calculate the pH, using table 15 of the data booklet, of a solution of ethanoic acid made by
dissolving 1.40 g of the acid in distilled water to make a 500 c m3 solution.

Markscheme
1.40 0.0233
=0.0233( mol)and =0.0466(mol d m− 3);
60.06 0.500

( p K a=4.76)K a=1.7 ×10− 5;

¿;
Accept 9.0 ×10 −4 .
pH=3.05;
Award [4] for correct final answer.
Accept alternative methods.
14c. [3 marks]
Determine the pH at the equivalence point of the titration and the p K a of an unknown acid
using the acid-base titration curve below.
Markscheme
Equivalence point: pH of 9.5;
Accept values between 9 and 10.
p K a= pH at half equivalence point;

p K a=5.4 ;

Accept any value between 5.2 and 5.6.

Award [2] for M2 and M3 if correct p K a given without explanation.
14d. [1 mark]
Identify, using table 16 of the data booklet, a suitable indicator to show the end-point of
this titration.

Markscheme
phenolphthalein;
14e. [2 marks]
Describe how an indicator, that is a weak acid, works. Use Le Chatelier’s principle in your
answer.
Markscheme
−

HIn(aq) ⇌ H +¿(aq)+I n and HIn and I n − have different colours;

(aq)¿

Ignore state symbols.

equilibrium shifts depending on addition of H +¿¿ and O H − / more HIn in acid/low pH /
more I n − in alkali/high pH;
14f. [1 mark]
State the formula of the conjugate base of chloroethanoic acid, C H 2 ClCOOH .

Markscheme
C H 2 ClCO O−;

14g. [1 mark]
Identify, with a reason, whether chloroethanoic acid is weaker or stronger than ethanoic
acid using table 15 of the data booklet.
Markscheme
stronger because p K a of chloroethanoic acid is ¿ p K a of ethanoic acid;
14h. [4 marks]
Determine the pH of the solution resulting when 100 c m3 of 0.50 mol d m−3 C H 2 ClCOOH is
mixed with 200 c m3 of 0.10 mol d m−3 NaOH.

Markscheme
0.030
Concentration of acid: =0.10( mol d m− 3);
0.300
0.020
Concentration of base/salt: =0.067(mol d m− 3);
0.300
¿;
pH=2.72;
Award [4] for correct final answer.
Accept 2.69, 2.70 or 2.7.
Alternative for M3 and M4 if Henderson-Hasselbalch equation used:
[b a s e ] 0.067
M3: p H= p K a +l o g
[a c id ] (
/2.87+l o g
0.10 )
M4: p H=2.70.
Award [1 max] for n a ci d (¿ 100× 0.50 ÷1000)=0.050m o l and
n b a s e (¿200 × 0.10 ÷1000)=0.020m o l .

14i. [2 marks]
Describe how chlorine’s position in the periodic table is related to its electron arrangement.

Markscheme
Cl has 7 valence electrons and is in group 7;
Accept “group 17” as suggested by IUPAC.
Cl has 3 occupied (electron) shells/energy levels and so is in period 3;
14j.
SC l 2 and SCl F5 are two sulfur chloride type compounds with sulfur having different
oxidation states. Predict the name of the shape, the bond angle and polarity of these
molecules.
Markscheme

Do not accept ECF for bond angles and polarities from incorrect shapes.
Award [3] for all six correct.
Award [2] for four or five correct.
Award [1] for two or three correct.

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